MWC Inaugural Outstanding Employees’ Awards Honour Migrant Workers’ Contributions at May Day Celebrations

• 12 migrant workers from the construction sector received recognition at annual MWC May Day celebration attended by over 10,000 people
• Collaborative 11-metre artwork depicts migrant workers' contribution to Singapore's iconic landmarks from HDB flats to Gardens by the Bay

The Migrant Workers' Centre (MWC) held its annual May Day Migrant Workers’ Celebrations today at the MWC Recreation Club @ Soon Lee.

The event was livestreamed to three other Migrant Workers' Recreation Centres (MWRCs) across Singapore, drawing over 10,000 attendees at the main venue and an estimated 4,500 more participating via livestream across the satellite locations at Terusan, Tuas South and Penjuru Recreation Centres.

Together We Build, Together We Celebrate

This year's celebration, themed "Together We Build, Together We Celebrate", highlighted the contributions of migrant workers to Singapore's development as well as the strong partnerships between workers and employers.

Michael Lim, Migrant Workers’ Centre Executive Director said, “As we celebrate May Day and commemorate Singapore’s 60th birthday, we must be reminded of our migrant workers’ contributions to the development of Singapore, not just in the past, but as we chart our way forward in the next 60 years. Our migrant workers are here to help us and are in this journey together with us. Today’s celebration is to honour their work, but our commitment extends to improving their daily working conditions, providing accessible support services, and advocating for their wellbeing all year-round.”

Recognising Excellence through Inaugural Outstanding Employees’ Awards

A special highlight of this year's celebration was the Outstanding Employees’ Awards, which recognised 12 individuals from the construction sector who have demonstrated exemplary conduct and made significant contributions to their workplace and community. These awards, with nominations from the Built Environment and Urban Trades Employees' Union (BATU) and other community partners, acknowledged their contributions to Singapore's built environment

Among the recipients was Subramanian Veeramani, a long-serving worker who plays a key role as a worker leader. He ensures effective communication between workers and management, shares safety updates, and guides new team members in safe work practices—consistently setting a strong example on site. Another awardee, Rana Juwel Ahamed, was recognised for his skills in leading a lifting team managing eight cranes. Known for his safety awareness and teamwork, he is a reliable and hardworking member of the crew who supports his colleagues and contributes to smooth, safe operations.

MWC’s Continued Support for the Construction Sector

The Outstanding Employees’ Awards is part of MWC's broader initiatives to strengthen and uplift the construction sector. In recent years, Singapore’s construction industry has faced significant challenges — from rising operational costs and manpower shortages to tighter regulatory and safety requirements. These pressures have impacted small and medium-sized construction companies the hardest, often leaving their workers vulnerable during downturns.

In the last year, MWC has stepped in to provide holistic and timely support, assisting over 9,200 migrant workers — of which 6,450 were from the construction sector. We extended ex-gratia financial assistance amounting to more than $1.1 million to over 400 migrant workers, helping them tide through periods of financial hardship brought about by employment disputes, non-payment of salaries, or sudden company closures.

Beyond financial aid, MWC supported over 1,100 workers with meal assistance, 72 with legal aid for employment-related disputes, and provided interim shelter for 22 construction workers in need of a safe place to stay. In many cases, we also facilitated change of employment, repatriation, and access to medical care for workers facing serious challenges.

These efforts reflect MWC’s continued commitment to safeguarding the dignity, welfare, and livelihoods of migrant workers who help build and shape Singapore’s physical landscape.

Wall Mural: Community Art Project

As part of the lead-up to the main celebration, a community mural painting activity took place at MWCRC @ Soon Lee on 25 to 26 May. This collaborative art project brought together over 50 participants, including migrant and local volunteers, students and staff. The completed mural stands as the centrepiece of the celebration, symbolising unity and shared effort.

Measuring a total of 11 metres in length, the mural is made up of four distinct yet interconnected panels. Together, they depict the journey of migrant workers and migrant domestic workers, highlighting their contributions to Singapore’s development over the past 60 years. The artwork features iconic Singapore landmarks built with the help of migrant workers — from early HDB developments to modern structures like Gardens by the Bay and the upcoming Changi Airport Terminal 5.

Each panel tells a part of this collective story:
• “Laying Foundations, Side by Side” depicts the teamwork between migrant workers and locals in building Singapore’s early infrastructure.
• “Strength in Sacrifice” honours the dedication and resilience of workers who left home to support their families and Singapore’s growth.
• “Cultural Exchange through Food and Flame” captures the bonds formed through shared meals and cultural diversity.
• “A Future We Shape Together” envisions a united, inclusive future built on mutual respect and collaboration.

The mural will remain a permanent installation at MWCRC @ Soon Lee as a testament to the ongoing contributions of migrant workers to Singapore's growth story.